Alternative review of Mazda5

Most family-orientated Mazdas I've driven have been sensible cars. They've been user-friendly, have coped beautifully with a trip around town or a long haul on the motorway and they've certainly been reliable, even in harsh winter and scorching summer extremes. But fond though I've been of them, I'm the first to confess that they weren't the most charismatic vehicles about. That started to change with the Mazda6 and Mazda3 models, but I expected a return to sensible form at the wheel of the Mazda5, a kind of combined replacement for the old compact Premacy and larger 'MPV' people carriers offered by Mazda until recently. I was wrong. Here's a people carrier that doesn't make you feel like you've sold out to family life. It looks good, it drives well and you wouldn't be embarrassed to go out for the evening in it to a smart nightclub. Assuming you could get a babysitter of course - but don't get me started on that.

It might look good but it also has to work for a family and this car does - to a point. OK, so if you want room for seven and luggage space, you'd better look at something else: something bus-shaped. This car, though carefully packaged, can't cheat the laws of physics and it does really compete against Zafira and Grand Scenic-sized mini-MPVs rather than large Galaxy or Espace-sized People Carriers. Still, what it does, it does very well. The interior has been designed according to Mazda's "6 + One" concept which aims to deliver comfortable seating for six occupants, plus an additional element of utility that stresses plenty of luggage space, walk through convenience and ample stowage space. The key theme is the open space created in the centre of the cabin that means that every occupant has ample shoulder space and assists interaction between the occupants by ensuring there are always sightlines between one row of seats and another. Although there's ample room on the inside with three rows of two seats, the Mazda5 isn't superstretch limo long. In fact at 4,505mm in length it measures just 85mm longer than the Mazda3 family hatch whilst the width is identical, so there won't be any horrors when manoeuvring this wagon into a crowded multi storey car park. Despite its wheel at each corner stance, the turning circle of just 530cm means that even if you do need to throw a shifty three-point turn, you won't need acres of road to do so. The feature I most liked is claimed by Mazda as a compact class first - the large sliding doors on both sides. Previously restricted to seriously huge MPV vehicles, these doors have been designed so that they don't swing out too far. How many times have you been forced to sheepishly apologise when the kids whack their doors into the flanks of a parked car in a supermarket car park? The Mazda5 solves that particular problem. These doors open fully 700mm, Mazda deeming this wide enough for a parent carrying an infant and they are now available in electrically operated form as an option. The plastic tailgate is another product of extensive testing. Mazda discovered that the tailgate mechanisms of many MPVs and 4x4 vehicles were becoming so heavy and cumbersome that they were difficult for lighter weight operators to close. With a two-step mechanism built in, the tailgate of the Mazda5 is light and smooth in its action. The second and third rows of seats can be arranged in a number of configurations. In addition to their sliding adjustment and reclining functions, the second row also features a double-fold mechanism. Folding down the second and third row seatbacks creates a virtually flat floor for the luggage compartment. Other rivals are a little slicker in this regard, but the Mazda5 scores in terms of ease of operation. The space between the final row of seats can be assigned to either a utility box or a 'karakuri' occasional seat.

Four engines have been developed for this car but I can't honestly see why anyone would choose the two petrol versions: yes, they're slightly faster but this isn't supposed to be a sportscar. In any case, the 108bhp turbo diesel variant (that I tried) has in-gear pulling power that would take it clear of the petrol models in real world day-to-day driving. There's also an 143bhp diesel on offer, but its extra grunt comes at a premium. Mazda haven't skimped on safety systems either, developing a curtain airbag that covers all three rows of seats. Anti lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution are augmented by a manual brake assist booster. Dynamic Stability Control aims to keep things ship shape.

As you've probably gathered, I liked this car, both for what I expected it to be - and for the unexpected virtues it offered. It also boasts a bit of rarity value over a Vauxhall Zafira or a Renault Scenic, something that appeals to me. If you're shopping for a car in this sector, don't leave it off your shopping list.